Americans share their hopes for the country on 'wish walls' nationwide. The responses are surprisingly unifying

Americans share their hopes for the country on 'wish walls' nationwide. The responses are surprisingly unifying

Americans share their hopes for the country on 'wish walls' nationwide. The responses are surprisingly unifying On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate its 250th birthday. To prepare for the big celebration, museums across the country are inviting the public to answer the question: “What’s your wish for America’s future?” In a project designed by 26-year-old artist Katie Costa and developed by Made By Us, a nonprofit that promotes civic engagement among Gen-Z, thousands are responding. Young students look at the Smithsonian mural together. Photo courtesy of Made By Us The initiative has two components: One online, hosted by The New York Historical, where anyone across the nation can contribute to a virtual “wish wall,” sharing their hopes for the future of American democracy; and real-life “wish wall” installations in 30 cities. Costa’s flagship mural is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History through Independence Day of this year. The…